The 'Real Little Italy' Of New York Is A Thriving Cultural Gem That's Not Where You'd Expect It To Be

New York City is a true melting pot, a vast mix of cultures living side-by-side in one of the globe's great metropolises. Just one walk down its iconic sidewalks puts you up close and personal with people from around the world speaking a melange of languages, many of them spoken by immigrants. Visiting (and eating in) the communities these immigrants (and their descendants) call home is one of the true joys of visiting the city, as seen in this "Little Caribbean" neighborhood that was named one of the coolest in the world.

Perhaps no ethnic community is more closely associated with New York than Italians, especially in Little Italy. Initially established in Lower Manhattan in the 1840s by the first wave of Italian immigrants, by the early 20th century, the neighborhood had grown into a thriving, 50-square-block area of shops, restaurants, markets, and residences. Most of those families eventually moved out, and the Little Italy of today — while still a delicious destination brimming with romance — now only occupies three blocks around Mulberry Street.

However, for those willing to put in a little effort, there's an area in the Bronx — New York's rough-and-tumble northernmost borough — that many describe as "the Real Little Italy." The Little Italy of the Bronx can be found along the Belmont section of Arthur Avenue; this neighborhood features restaurants, specialty shops, butchers, bakeries, and more, some of which have been around for more than 100 years. Just one visit will scratch your itch for a blast of Italian American culture — especially if it's food you're after.

Italian immigrants began to move into the Bronx's Belmont neighborhood in large numbers in the early 20th century, quickly earning the area the nickname of the "Italian colonies." While largely flying under the radar (even many New Yorkers are unaware of it), the Bronx's version of Little Italy has still managed to exert its influence on American pop culture. Writer Don DeLillo and actors Chaz Palminteri and Joe Pesci (who was discovered by Robert De Niro while working as a maitre d' at a local restaurant) all hail from the neighborhood, as does singer Dion DiMucci. In fact, his 1950s group, Dion and the Belmonts, was named after Belmont Avenue, a local street.

Today, the neighborhood is thriving, especially when it comes to the sheer number and quality of restaurants, which frankly puts Manhattan's Little Italy to shame. "In general," food critic Sam Grobart once brutally wrote in New York Magazine, "the restaurants of Arthur Avenue make Mulberry Street's look like stepchildren of the Olive Garden."

However, there is more to the area than checkered tablecloths, linguine, and veal parmigiano. Arthur Avenue is also home to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, which is arguably the neighborhood's beating heart. Opened in 1940, this market features fruit and vegetable vendors, along with everything else an Italian kitchen requires, including wheels of cheese, olive oil, freshly-sliced capicola, and even hand-rolled cigars. There is also a beer hall, a deli, and a pizzeria, all at prices significantly cheaper than you'll pay in Manhattan.

When it comes to where to eat in the Bronx's Little Italy, the choices are dizzying. Arthur Avenue is home to a "restaurant row" where you can't go wrong, but Enzo's of Arthur Avenue is a good place to start. This family-owned establishment combines elegance with authenticity and is dripping with old-school Italian American ambiance. Piattini Café Bar Osteria offers modern and traditional Italian dishes in an intimate setting, while neighborhood institution Dominick's features communal seating and no menus. The waiters simply list the dishes available that night (which are often seafood-based) and you pick what sounds best.

If you're not in the mood to sit down at a restaurant, you can always get something to go, and Borgatta's Pasta lets you select your desired thickness and flavor while they whip it up on the spot. Opened in 1935, this local shop is especially known for its ravioli and attracts customers from far and wide for its quality products. Situated on the corner of Arthur Avenue and 187th Street, Full Moon Pizza offers a wide variety of thin crust slices and is rated as one of the top pizzerias in the Bronx, while Madonia Bakery serves up not just fresh bread, but Italian staples such as biscotti and cannoli.

To get to the Belmont neighborhood, take the B, D, or 4 train to Fordham Station. From there, you can jump on the Bx12 bus heading east or walk. Just turn right on 3rd Avenue and then turn left on 187th Street. You can also drive there, as both street and garage parking are available, for a fee, of course. For more authentic ethnic enclaves in the U.S., check out these must-visit neighborhoods for culture seekers.